A single piece can take thousands of hours to handcraft. They remain incredibly complex and challenging to produce. Two years ago, the 111-year-old maison unveiled its Carpe Koï, a yellow- and white-gold bracelet in the form of a Japanese carp, with scales made of 8,000 diamonds, yellow sapphires, spessartite garnets, black spinels, and tourmalines it tells time when the fish opens its mouth (prices for both on request).Ĭonsidered the apex of fine jewelry, secret watches deploy the jeweler’s craft, a watchmaker’s master techniques, and even 18th century automata technology. The time is revealed with a press of a ruby cabochon that opens a panel, exposing a mirror that reflects a quartz movement within the pendant. Sometimes, the watch was completely hidden, or there was some mechanism covering the dial that the wearer had to lift or rotate to reveal what would be almost invisible to anybody but the wearer.” For collectors today, he says, “these pieces are like works of art that you display.”Īt this year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève, Van Cleef & Arpels wowed with its Cerf-Volant necklace, featuring a pendant resembling a kite tied to strands of onyx and made of spinel, rubies, mother-of-pearl, and diamonds. Over the years, they became very sophisticated and playful. “At the very beginning, the house made bracelets with flower elements discreetly hiding a watch dial. “We’ve been making secret watches since the early 1900s,” says Nicolas Bos, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. Over the years, the concept evolved, producing ever-more-complex affairs, as craftsmen began creating miniature, bejeweled universes, stowing small quartz watch movements among flower petals, the wings of a butterfly, the mouth of an animal, or the folds of a fan, while redefining the notion of luxury in the process. Master jewelers cleverly concealed small-scale clocks within pendants and brooches or evening bags. Secret watches were born of the social dictates of the early 1900s, a period when it was considered indelicate for gentlewomen to check the time. I wear it as a piece of jewelry that happens to tell the time.” I tell them it’s a watch it hangs down, and you don’t see the face of it unless you turn it over. Let our stunning collection inspire your passion for the beauty and elegance of the past, as you curate a selection of timeless treasures that capture the essence of history’s most celebrated designs and craftsmanship.“Whenever I wear this,” says Carolyne Roehm, the designer and a former muse of Oscar de la Renta, referring to her 18-carat gold Verdura rope bracelet with a watch hidden inside a pineapple charm, “women always come up and ask me about it. Allow the unique and exquisite character of our horological treasures to transform your space, as you celebrate the beauty and elegance of history’s finest masterpieces.īegin your journey with Artisan Gems and uncover the perfect antique clock today. Discover the timeless charm and sophistication of our collection, which spans various eras and artistic movements. This commitment to excellence makes Artisan Gems the premier destination for collectors, designers, and horology enthusiasts alike.Įxplore our online gallery and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of antique clocks. We meticulously inspect and authenticate each piece, guaranteeing its historical value and exceptional craftsmanship. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring the authenticity and quality of our antique clocks. ![]() Catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences, our antique clocks ensure you find the perfect timepiece to complement your collection or space. Our antique clocks collection includes wall clocks, mantel clocks, carriage clocks, and a variety of other unique timepieces, each handpicked for its historical significance, outstanding quality, and captivating beauty. ![]() Our expertly curated selection features a diverse range of timepieces, offering you the opportunity to enhance your home or office with the elegance and charm of the past. ![]() Antique Clocks at Artisan Gems: Timeless Elegance and CraftsmanshipĪrtisan Gems is proud to present an exquisite collection of antique clocks, showcasing the timeless beauty and exceptional craftsmanship of history’s most renowned clockmakers.
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